Towing capability math equation
I know there are a lot of threads on here about will my truck pull and "x" trailer. Simply put, is there a simple calculation you use to figure these things out? Or multiple calculations? Tha...
Forum Discussion
PUCampin wrote:
It depends on what you are towing with. A 1/2 ton will run out of payload before anything else, 3/4 and up not as much.
If your TV is newer that 2006 it will have a tread act sticker listing the maximum allowable passengers and cargo. This is for your vehicle as it left the factory. Subtract dealer options, people and stuff, and this is what you have left for tongue weight. Divide that by 0.14 to get a fully loaded trailer weight, then take away 1000lbs for water and stuff to get a dry weight.
Quick example that works well for 1/2 ton
My 1/2 ton Expedition
Max Payload = 1672lbs
No add ons = 0lbs
Family = 665lbs
Carseats = 75lbs
Stuff = 75lbs
1672-665-75-75 = 857lbs for tongue weight
857 / 0.14 = 6121lbs full loaded trailer = 5000-5500 dry
Far cry from my max tow rating of 8900lbs huh?
5000-5500lbs dry seems to be a sweet spot for most 1/2 ton SUV and a family of 4, it will pretty much keep all numbers in line. 7-8 people will reduce that.
Good hunting!
Very nice! I would only add that if you only have 2 people it might seem that you can push that fully loaded weight up a bit because you're not eating up that payload with kids and car seats. But then the limiting factor could be the tongue weight. The highest I've seen on GM 1/2 tons is 1200# and that's on the 2014s. Typically its 1000#.
